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Cascades invests $3.5 million to modernize molded pulp plant
April 26, 2011 By Pulp & Paper Canada
Cascades executives were on hand in early April to inaugurate a new machine used in the manufacturing of moulded pulp products at it’s the company’s Forma-Pak plant in Kingsey Falls, Que. The modernization of the plant required an investment of…
Cascades executives were on hand in early April to inaugurate a new machine used in the manufacturing of moulded pulp products at it’s the company’s Forma-Pak plant in Kingsey Falls, Que. The modernization of the plant required an investment of more than $3.5 million.
Alain Lemaire, president and CEO, and Mario Plourde, chief operating officer, today
Begun in 2010, the work has led to the introduction of a new machine as well as the automation of existing equipment. A project to secure the machines was also implemented to improve employee safety. Mario Plourde, chief operating officer, explains that since the plant is located in the heart of the city of Kingsey Falls, the plant is limited in terms of space. “Rather than expand, we’ve completely redesigned it to accommodate more equipment and increase its efficiency.”
These changes will increase the plant’s production capacity by 40%. Significant gains in product quality have also been achieved, particularly with respect to finishing and packaging. As such, automation will allow for increased packaging rigidity and, as a result, will maximize delivery including up to 20% more products on trucks.
Cascades Forma-Pak manufactures 100% recycled moulded pulp products using old newspapers and telephone directories as raw material. The plant specializes in egg filler flats as well as cup carriers used for the transport of beverages for quick service restaurants.
“It was time to modernize this plant which manufactures environmentally-friendly food packaging solutions. Since moulded pulp material is fully recycled and recyclable, we believe that it is a product with a future, especially with a packaging industry that increasingly demands more responsible solutions,” said Plourde.
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